How to Care for Your Pets Seasonal Allergies

Keeping your pet comfortable during allergy season is very similar to how we as humans stay comfortable. Dogs are more prone to seasonal allergies than any other type of pet. Not to say that cats, horses and even rabbits are not affected by them.

While there are five types of allergies that an animal can suffer from seasonal allergies fall under the category of an inhalant allergy.

Which includes but is not limited to; all sorts of pollen, ragweed, hay and even the grass they love to roll around in.

These allergens are airborne and cannot be avoided. You could keep your pet in the house with all the windows and door closed, invest several hundred dollars in HEPA air cleansing systems and buy little masks for your pet. Then there allergies may be a little better however there quality of life would be nil!

SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL PET ALLERGIES

The first and most important step in treating your pet's allergies is to recognize them as allergies. Many animals will sneeze or have watery eyes caused from a temporary irritation or even a cold. Itching is the main symptom to look for if you suspect your pet has allergies. Your pet will scratch almost constantly or rub its body on the floor to relieve the itching. Dogs will also rub there ears with their paws or use the floor to scratch them. Allergies and ear infections go hand and hand in dogs. If you are unsure, you should always bring your pet to the veterinarian for diagnosis.

TREATMENTS FOR YOUR PETS SEASONAL ALLERGIES

According to veterinarian Dr. Debby Turner, over the counter antihistamines such as, Claritin and Benadryl are very effective in relieving your pet's symptoms. Do NOT give them the recommended human dosage; always call your vet for the correct dosage.
To help with the itching an oatmeal bath is soothing as is a bath using Epsom salts or a hypoallergenic shampoo.

If these methods do not help your pet then another options is allergy shots. Once your veterinarian has tested your pet and determined which allergen is causing the problem. A small amount of the allergen will be injected into the pet to help build up an immunity to that allergen. It works the same way as it does with humans. A weekly allergy shot is $70 to $120. It is well worth the cost to keep your pet comfortable and compared to the vet bills for ear infections (in dogs) and other issues that can arise from allergies it's a small price to pay for the season.

Another option is Cortisone shots, which should only be considered as a last resort. Steroids are not healthy for humans or animals. In animals, it causes a sedative state and it slows down every organ of their little bodies. Side effects can vary from vomiting to seizures and in some cases death. Cortisone should be used as a last resort and only for a very brief time.

Most pets will respond to the over the counter meds and maintain a happy healthy allergy season with a few sneezes and occasional runny nose and watery eyes.